Notation for the Minimum Spanning Tree Problem
Here we collect notation related to MSTs in graphs and algorithms to compute them.
Non-negative Graphs
Notation | Meaning |
ce | For every edge e∈E in graph G=(V,E), ce is the cost of the edge e. |
c(G′) | For any (sub)graph G=(V′,E′) we use c(G′)=∑e∈E′ce to denote the cost of G′. Typically, we will consider the case when G′ is a spanning tree. |
Kruskal's Algorithm
Notation | Meaning |
T | The set to which Kruskal's algorithm adds edges. Initially T=∅ and at the end it contains the edges of the MST. |
Prim's Algorithm
Notation | Meaning |
T | The set to which Prims's algorithm adds edges. Initially T=∅ and at the end it contains the edges of the MST. |
S | Set of nodes that have been "handled" by Prim's algorithm. This corresponds to the R in Dijkstra's algorithm. |
Reverse Delete Algorithm
Notation | Meaning |
T | The set to which Reverse Delete algorithm adds edges. Initially T=E and at the end it contains the edges of the MST. |
Cut Property Lemma
Notation | Meaning |
A cut | Division of the set of vertices into two non-empty parts: i.e. (S,V∖S), where S≠∅ and S≠V. |
Crossing edge | An edge (u,w)∈E is a crossing edge for cut (S,V∖S) if and only if u∈S and w∉S (or vice-versa). |